FanPost

Chicago Bears Mock Draft 1.0

This year's draft offers a lot of depth and starters, so let's get mocking! 1. Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA Bruins Anthony Barr is an explosive athlete who can bring that much needed pass rush to Chicago. Barr has recently soured in scouts' favors as they view Barr as a one-trick pony and his unrefined game is starting to scare more teams away from him. The Bears, though, need someone who can make an impact and Barr can do that and more. If Barr reaches his potential, he could be the next Von Miller and the Bears would be very happy team. Dan Pompeii recently speculated about the Bears and their interest in Barr, so this could actually be a very likely possibility on draft night. 2. Deone Bucannon, SS, Washington State Cougars Deone Bucannon is widely considered the top strong safety in this year's class. He has that hard hit ability and his 110 tackles last year at the NCAA level proved that he's a capable and sound tackler, unlike the Bears' current safety tandem. With Major Wright out, Bucannon can bring that much needed physicality to the safety position. Bucannon's ceiling is someone like Donte Whitner in that he can lay the big hit and cover most receivers. Bucannon talked with the Bears at the Combine so the interest from Chicago is definitely there. 3. Stephon Tuitt, DT, Notre Dame Fighting Irish Many view Stephon Tuitt as a 3-4 DE, but he's also capable of playing the 4-3 DT position. Tuitt saw his stock plummet from a 1st rounder to now a 3rd rounder, because of his injury and weight concerns. If the Bears do get the Tuitt from 2012, they could walk away like bandits, as he put on a show and completely dominated every offensive line in the country other that Alabama's. Tuitt's ceiling is huge and he could end up being a perennial Pro Bowler. 4. Loucheiz Purifoy, CB, Florida Gators Loucheiz Purifoy started the year off as a premier blue-chip prospect and a lock to go in the 1st round. After the season, however, Purifoy is falling off boards as he's very raw in coverage and his performance at the Combine scared many teams off. Purifoy is crazy fast though, and if he puts it all together, he could become a quality corner under the tutelage of Jennings. Purifoy has a high ceiling, kind of like D.J. Hayden. Purifoy would be a low risk, high reward prospect who could help the Bears out a lot in defense and special teams. 5. James Gayle, DE, Virginia Tech. Hokies Gayle is an explosive athlete off the edge and he provides good burst to consistently beat tackles. Gayle has a couple of weaknesses though, as he has no lateral agility and he gets beat way too easily. He has a lot of raw power and if harnessed, he could turn out to be an effective rotational rusher in passing situations. Imagine a taller and stronger class and that could be Gayle in a few years. 6. Russell Bodine, C, North Carolina Tarheels Bodine is a very capable starter at center and with Kromer developing him, Bodine could develop into a top-tier center. Bodine possesses immense power as he put up 42 bench presses. He has short arms, but if he overcomes this (look at: Pugh, Justin) he could become a quality center. His ceiling could turn out to be someone like Brian De La Puente, another Kromer student. 6. De'Anthony Thomas, ATH, Oregon Ducks With the recent departure of the legendary Devin Hester, the Bears need a solid returner. Thomas is one of the most electrifying players in the college level and he's a threat to score every time he touches the ball. He also possesses ability to be a key cog on offense, unlike Hester, as he can play the slot receiver or running back. He could be used like Seattle uses Harvin to maximize his potential. The Black Mamba's ceiling is probably a blending of Harvin and Hester, resulting in a dangerous return man who could also contribute on offense. I hope you Bears fans liked this mock draft. Tell me how it was in the comments and as free agency ends, I'll try to post another mock draft based on the Bears' status then. Bye!

This Fanpost was written by a Windy City Gridiron member and does not necessarily reflect the ideas or opinions of its staff or community.